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Agenda 2030

Sustainable development goals
7

Affordable and Clean Energy

Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

Key Targets
  • 1 By 2030, ensure universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services.
  • 2 Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
  • 3 Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
  • 4 Expand infrastructure and upgrade technology for supplying modern and sustainable energy services.
  • 5 Enhance international cooperation to facilitate access to clean energy research and technology.
Key Facts
675 million people still lack access to electricity.
Renewable energy now makes up 30% of global electricity generation.
Energy is responsible for 73% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Every dollar invested in clean energy generates up to 3 times more jobs than fossil fuels.
Global Progress

The renewable energy revolution is real and accelerating — solar became the cheapest electricity source in history. But universal electrification remains an unfinished agenda for hundreds of millions, and energy efficiency gains are nowhere near the pace required to meet 2030 targets.

What We've Accomplished

  • Solar and wind capacity more than doubled between 2015 and 2023; solar became the cheapest electricity source ever recorded.
  • People without electricity fell from 1.2 billion in 2010 to around 675 million by 2023.
  • Renewables accounted for 30% of global electricity generation in 2023, up from 19% in 2010.
  • Costa Rica generated over 99% of its electricity from renewables for multiple consecutive years.
  • 135 countries had met or exceeded their renewable energy targets as of 2022.

2030 Outlook

At Risk

Universal electricity access by 2030 looks unlikely at current rates — electrification in sub-Saharan Africa is being outpaced by population growth. Energy efficiency improvements need to triple their current pace to hit 2030 targets. Clean cooking access is a critical gap: 2.3 billion people still rely on harmful solid fuels. Massive grid infrastructure investment is needed, especially in developing regions.

Leading Nations

Iceland Nearly 100% of electricity from geothermal and hydropower; one of the world's most carbon-neutral energy mixes.
Costa Rica Generated 99%+ electricity from renewables for over 5 consecutive years; global clean energy model.
Norway Over 90% of electricity from hydropower; world leader in electric vehicle adoption per capita.
Denmark Generates over 60% of electricity from wind; on track to reach 100% renewable electricity.
Germany Invested over $500 billion in the Energiewende (energy transition) since 2000; phasing out coal and nuclear.